Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs Game Preview – April 26, 2025
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs will compete at Wrigley Field. This is the second game of their three-game series on Saturday, April 26th, 2025. The game is scheduled for a 4:05 PM Eastern Time first pitch and will be broadcast nationally on Fox Network. This matchup is intriguing as it is between two teams with different trajectories heading into the game.
Philadelphia Phillies Outlook
The Philadelphia Phillies enter this contest in a bit of a slump. They have lost their last five games. This brings their season record to an even 13-13. The Phillies started the season strongly. Now, they have struggled with offensive consistency. They have also faced defensive lapses during this losing streak. Their offense is built around the power of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber. It has shown the ability to change games with one swing. However, they have struggled to manufacture runs consistently. They often rely on the long ball and falter in situational hitting.
Despite the recent struggles, the Phillies have a solid offense, ranking seventh in MLB with a .248 team batting average. They also boast a strong on-base percentage of .337, which is third-best in the league, indicating their ability to get runners on base. However, their run production has been inconsistent, averaging 4.3 runs per game overall but a better 5.3 runs per game at home. Key offensive players like Alec Bohm have been hitting well recently. Others like Harper and Schwarber are looking to break out of mini-slumps.
On the pitching side, the Phillies will be relying on left-hander Jesús Luzardo as their starting pitcher. Luzardo has been a bright spot for the team early in the season. He holds a 2-0 record. His performance includes a stellar 2.08 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP in his first five starts. He has also been striking out batters at an impressive rate, averaging over 10 strikeouts per nine innings. His last outing saw him pitch seven innings, allowing only one earned run against the Miami Marlins. The Phillies will need Luzardo to continue his strong performance to help them snap their losing streak.
Chicago Cubs Outlook
The Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, are riding high with a three-game winning streak. Their season record has improved to an impressive 17-10. They currently lead the National League Central division by a comfortable margin. The Cubs have been particularly strong at home and have shown consistency both in their lineup and on the mound. Their offense has been the most potent in the league thus far, averaging 6.2 runs per game and leading MLB with 167 total runs. They also lead the league in slugging percentage (.461) and are near the top in home runs.
The Cubs’ offense has been particularly effective against left-handed pitching, which could be a factor in this matchup against Luzardo. Key offensive contributors include players like Carson Kelly. Seiya Suzuki has provided power. Others have consistently driven in runs. Their ability to score runs in various ways makes them a tough opponent for any pitching staff.
Starting for the Cubs will be right-hander Ben Brown. Brown has a 2-1 record in his first four starts, with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP. While his ERA is higher than Luzardo’s, the Cubs have shown confidence in the young pitcher. He has recorded 26 strikeouts in his outings this season. The Cubs hope Brown can keep the Phillies’ offense in check. They also want their potent lineup to provide run support.
As of Saturday morning, April 26th, 2025, the betting odds for this game indicate a close matchup:
- Moneyline:
- Philadelphia Phillies: -111 to -118
- Chicago Cubs: -102 to -107
- Run Line:
- Philadelphia Phillies -1.5: +154 to +157
- Chicago Cubs +1.5: -190
- Total: Over/Under 7 runs (-100 to -115 for Over, -105 to -120 for Under)
The Phillies are slight favorites on the moneyline. Meanwhile, the Cubs are favored on the run line. The total is set at 7 runs, with varying juice on both the over and the under.
Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for game time at Wrigley Field in Chicago predicts clear skies. Temperatures will be in the upper 40s Fahrenheit (around 9-10 degrees Celsius). There will be a noticeable wind blowing in from left field at around 13 to 18 mph. These conditions, with the wind blowing in, are generally considered pitcher-friendly. They can knock down fly balls. This makes it harder for hitters to generate power. The cooler temperatures might also slightly favor the pitchers.
Starting Pitcher Matchup Analysis
The pitching matchup between Jesús Luzardo and Ben Brown is a key aspect of this game. Luzardo has been excellent for the Phillies, showcasing his ability to miss bats and keep runs off the board. His high strikeout rate could be crucial against a potent Cubs lineup. The Cubs can be susceptible to a strong left-handed pitcher.
Ben Brown, while having a higher ERA, has the potential to be effective for the Cubs. He needs to command his fastball well. Keeping the ball down in the zone will be important against the Phillies’ power hitters. The Cubs want him to limit the damage. They also hope he can pitch deep enough into the game to hand the ball over to their bullpen.
Game Prediction
The Phillies have been struggling recently. The Cubs have shown strong overall performance and offensive prowess. As a result, Chicago might have a slight edge in this matchup. However, the Phillies have a significant advantage on the mound with the in-form Jesús Luzardo. The pitcher-friendly weather conditions at Wrigley Field could also play a crucial role in keeping the score down.
The Cubs’ offense has been exceptional, but Luzardo has a track record of success against their current hitters. If Luzardo can continue his strong pitching, the Phillies’ offense needs to find some consistency. Then they have a good chance to break their losing streak. On the other hand, if Brown can effectively navigate the Phillies’ lineup, the Cubs will be hard to beat. This is especially true if their offense performs to its potential. Chicago will be tough to beat at home.
The Dart Throw for the Philadelphia Phillies vs Chicago Cubs
This game might be a tight, low-scoring affair. The starting pitching will influence this, as well as the weather conditions at Wrigley Field. The Phillies are desperate to end their skid. The Cubs aim to continue their winning ways. They want to solidify their lead in the NL Central. With that being said, the play is on the Phildelphia Phillies and Chicago Cubs UNDER 7 runs.
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